​How to Boost Morale with Anyone AnywhereThere's a story told by a past chairman of the FDIC about Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines. A friend of his, a CEO, called him one day and said, "Herb, we've got an employee morale problem over here and I can’t figure out what the problem is for the life of me.

"I was wondering if you might drop by sometime, when you have a few minutes, and help me figure it out." Herb agreed to give it a shot and arranged a time for a visit. His friend greeted him in the lobby. Then, they got on an elevator with about five to six employees and rode up in silence.

When they stepped off the elevator Herb turned to his friend and said, "I already know what the problem is." His friend said, "Really? What is it?" Herb said, "YOU. You ARE the problem."

His friend said, "What do you mean?" So Herb said, "We just rode up an elevator together in silence with 5 or 6 of your employees. You didn't greet any of them by name or speak with any one of them about what's important to them. You fix THAT and you'll fix your morale problem."

Mark Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, is quoted as saying, "Everyone has an invisible sign around their neck that reads, 'Make me feel important.' "

When you find ways to make people feel important, you become important to them. They’ll be energized by you and find ways to make you proud of them.

Now pause and breathe in ... Breathe out, with a HINT of a smile. WOW. Looks GOOD on you. Y-E-A-H.

FUNOMENAL Positivity Best PracticeHere are two things you can do TODAY to make people feel important.

1. Use their name when you speak with them. It’s their favorite sound. When I meet someone and want to remember their name I simply say, “I want to remember your name. Writing it down helps me do that. Is that okay with you?"

And it ALWAYS is. Plus, they make sure I get the spelling right, which is a BIG deal to them.

2. Talk with them about what's important to them. It's almost always going to be family or hobbies. But what's REALLY important to them will come up in their conversations, so pay attention. Then, write it down and add it to their contact information, so you can remember.

If they mention an accomplishment of a family member, write down the name of that family member, so you can ask about them later. They'll love it and appreciate you for remembering.

So, use their names. Talk with them about what's important to them. Do this TODAY. You'll boost morale wherever you go, and if you're a leader, your team will follow you and have your back wherever you lead. Promise.

"You get a better return with the boomerang of respect than with the hand grenade of disrespect. Make them feel important. Listen." - Tony Brigmon